Uber has officially announced its expansion to Ibiza, with the service set to launch on November 29th. This move comes after anticipation and speculation about the popular ride-hailing company’s presence on the island. Initially, the service will begin with a modest fleet of 14 vehicles, with expectations for growth as more drivers obtain the necessary VTC licenses from local authorities.
The company’s strategy in Spain and Portugal, as outlined by Uber’s Director General, Fernández Aramburu, involves integrating their service with existing taxi services and fleets, as well as independent drivers who hold VTC licenses. This approach means Uber itself won’t employ drivers directly but will allow them to use its platform independently, provided they have the appropriate documentation.
In Ibiza, Uber plans to introduce two service options: Uber Comfort and Uber Van, catering to four and six passengers respectively. The pricing for these services will align with the existing fare structure of the drivers, with Uber claiming a 12% commission for the use of its technology.
Uber is also offering incentives to encourage driver participation. Drivers who complete their first 25 trips on the platform will receive a €150 bonus. Additionally, a €300 bonus is available for drivers who successfully refer a colleague to join Uber.
This expansion into Ibiza follows Uber’s successful launch in Mallorca earlier in the year, which started with 50 cars and has been growing since. This continued growth in the Balearic Islands reflects Uber’s ongoing strategy to expand its footprint in popular tourist destinations.